Des Moines, WA

Des Moines, Washington

Des Moines is a small and mostly residential town that runs along the 6-mile long bay above Federal Way and below the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This city provides some of the very rare access points to the bay that it borders, so you will find many of its residents enjoying the public beaches, boat launches, and fishing piers, as well as other water-related activities.

There are approximately 12,000 housing units in the city, with about 60% of the nearly 30,000 residents being homeowners. The Des Moines School District has 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 2 college campuses. There are also 3 different private academies.

The Tag Zone

This indoor arena hosts many games and events such as nerf wars, capture the flag, and squad vs. squad. Children ages 6 and up can come here to play on teams or 1v1 other players! This particular nerf arena concentrates more on the in-the-moment excitement and fun, so points and team scores are not counted. This way, players can focus more on having fun then winning.

Saltwater State Park

This 87-acre state park is located in a very convenient spot right between Seattle and Tacoma. The park has nearly 1,500 feet of sandy beaches connected to the bay, along with its own artificial reef that is often explored by scuba divers. There are enough campsites to fit hundreds of people and hiking trails that run through the nearby forest.

MaST Center Aquarium

The Marine Science & Technology Center acts as the biology sanctuary for the local community college, Highline. This aquarium is an education center for both the public and the students of Highline Community College, with classes and programs for anyone interested in marine life. There are 15 tanks holding thousands of gallons of water which houses nearly 300 different species of marina animals.

Wally's Chowder House Broiler

This unique family-owned restaurant, occupying a bucolic wooden building, serves award-winning fresh clam chowder and features live musical guests on the weekends. They are well-known for their delicious homemade blackberry pie and King salmon dishes.

Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium

This event center has been hosting all kinds of celebrations since its opening in the 1900s including weddings, reunions, company meetings, auctions, and parties! The auditorium can hold up to 400 guests at one time, the park has its own picnic shelter that is perfect for birthday parties and family gatherings, and the beautiful and sandy beach provides places for guests to camp, play, and swim!